In today’s work environment where everyone is required to stare at a computer monitor for long periods of time, eyestrain is almost inevitable. In fact, a new term has been coined for this type of discomfort, the “computer syndrome eyestrainâ€. There are cases when an underlying problem, such as uncorrected vision or muscle imbalance, can worsen the condition.
Causes and Symptoms
Aside from using the computer monitor, there are other causes of eyestrain. These include straining to see in dim lightening, exposure to bright lights, driving for long periods, and reading. Eyestrain can be very annoying, but it usually goes away on its own once an individual has rested his eye muscle. However, it is important to take note that reducing eyestrain is a requirement to maintain a healthy vision.
To achieve this end, it is essential to identify the symptoms of eyestrain. Common symptoms an individual needs to watch out for include burning or itching eyes, dry eyes, watery eyes, double vision, sore neck, headache, or increased eye sensitivity. The computer syndrome eyestrain causes additional problems because a person will suffer from difficulty in shifting his eye from the monitor to paper documents. In addition, there will be afterimages when you shift your gaze away from the monitor.
Treatment and When to See the Doctor
In essence, the treatment for eyestrain should included changes in your working habits. Some people prefer to wear glasses that are specifically prescribed for reading or using the computer. Eye experts also suggest doing eye exercise regularly to help your eyes focus in different directions.
If rest and home remedies are unable to relieve the eyestrain, it might be necessary to see the doctor. This is especially true if there is a noticeable change in vision, double vision, and chronic eye discomfort.
Tweet This Post
I spend a lot of time at the computer. I find that looking away from the screen at a distant spot and focusing on it for a moment really helps.
I’m beginning to feel these symptoms, thanks for the reminder! I think all bloggers should read this! great post!
It’s so important to take a break from the computer. I have a “pause” screen that starts every hour. It simply locks the computer so I can’t do anything except get up and do something else for 20 minutes. I’m sure using this has little program has saved me from many headaches etc. This particular software is part of another and is not in English, but I did a quick search and found another that may have your readers interest – it’s free and found here: http://www.download.com/Scirocco-Take-a-Break/3000-2350_4-10333152.html – my search keyword phrase was “take a break from the computer software” I’m sure there’s many more if this one isn’t suitable.
Take care — Lucy
I have to remember to take computer breaks every now and then, because I can stay on this comp all day, truly. My eyes never seem to hurt, but I know that doesn’t mean that I’m not doing myself some harm.
Great heads up!
It is very important to take breaks away from computer. I spend most of my day at work on one, and then im back on again at night. It has definately affected my vision and now I look away from the computer for 30 seconds every 15 minutes